On my RX300 (1999), the cigarette lighter at the bottom of the center console does not work. How do I get to a replace that?

Thanks

 

I would look at a used parts place -- local junkyard or a place like lkq.com.

 

Right....but how do it replace just he lighter portion? Everyone has video of DIY on how to charge the one on the panel in the front but none on how to change that one.

 

I would suggest search the site or the net about removing the trim.
One step would be to disconnect the lighter wire connector.
Then onwards aught to be very intuitive.
Making a guess here .. I did not remove the cig lighter on RX ... you may have to lift a tab from the inside to allow parts to slide out [based on working on other cars].

Usually the lighter socket is pretty robust, but if an aux-adapter is used frequently to power devices, the contacts [side sleeve and center point] can develop resistance. Gentle cleaner works for the sides and for the tip, I would use the white eraser on the back of pencils as a rubbing agent.

Salim

 

You may want to install an aftermarket power outlet. I went thru the trouble of sourcing and replacing the lighter socket to have it blow as soon as someone plugged their cell phone into it. The Lexus lighter has a fused link built in and it doesnt handle big power surges well. I would just go aftermarket and wire it to the battery with a 15A fuse in line close to the battery.
Edit: use a relay to turn on the power from a switched circuit.

 

I would be very careful about connecting directly (or even with a fuse) to the battery. To prevent spikes one should connect through ignition switch in a way that the supply is cut off during start.

Salim

 

I respectfully disagree. Power from the battery prevents one from burning up the factory wiring. Just use a relay to power up from the accessory key position.

power => relay => outlet

 

I was talking about the voltage spike that is generated when the engine starts. We are in total agreement when the relay is disabled during the start operation.

Salim